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Commuter / Off Campus Student

Roommate Experts - Roommate Service        Roommates        Roommate Experts - Roommate Service

The ROAR Office in the University Center, located on the first floor across from the Information Desk, maintains a listing of students who are seeking a roommate.  Stop by the office during hours of operation in order to obtain the most up to date information.

Disclaimer

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs does not endorse any student who lists with the ROAR Office.  Instead, we provide a venue for such listings through a roommate listing service, and a location for other UCCS students to seek/find a potential roommate.

Selection of a roommate should be done with regard to certain legal, financial and personal implications that may affect members of a living group.  The following issues can cause conflict between roommates.  Discuss each one thoroughly before housing arrangements are finalized.

  • Standards of cleanliness, especially when pets are involved; responsibility for housekeeping chores, cooking, shopping, etc.

  • Study habits, noise and music level, partying and entertainment

  • Late hours, general attitudes and values concerning liquor, drugs, overnight guests, guests at odd hours.

  • The personality, age and backgrounds of prospective roommates.

  • Budgeting! Who will coordinate payment of rent, utilities, groceries and other expenses shared by all members of the household?

  • Spending habits.  How much can a person afford to pay for rent, utilities, phones, etc.? What standard of living is each person accustomed to?

  • Borrowing clothing, food, personal effects, books, bicycles, cars, etc.

  • Children in the household.

  • Television habits, hours and programs

  • Heating and air conditioning.  What temperatures are preferred?

  • Working hours.  Will shifts and times be compatible?

  • Eating habits, special diets, cooking habits.

  • Length of lease and commitments to living unit.

Another aspect roommates should be familiar with is joint and several liability.  Most individuals assume that when everyone signs a common lease or contract, each individual is responsible for a share of the rent.  If all sign separate contacts, this may be true; however, the majority of contracts or leases are handled in a way in which all parties on the contract are responsible for the performance of their roommates; i.e.: the entire rent.

If one roommate moves out without paying his or her share of the rent, the remaining tenants must come up with that share and assume responsibility for damages.  Roommates have recourse by taking them to court, providing they have signed the contract.